knee and ankle ligaments
menisci
2 fibro-cartilaginous discs that are seated on the medial and lateral tibial plateaus
anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL and PCL)
2 strong cordlike ligaments that cross in the back of the knee connecting the femur to the tibia. Limits extension and prevents rotation when the knee is in extension. Prevents forward and backward sliding of the femur on the tibia
medial collateral ligament (MCL)
a broad flat band that attaches the medial epicondyle of the femur to the medial condyle of the tibia. It is attached to the medial meniscus. checks and prevents lateral motion
Oblique popliteal ligament
a broad flat ligament covering the back of the knee and attaching the posterior surface of the femur to the posterior head of the tibia. Protects against knee hyperextension
transverse ligament
a short, slender cordlike ligament that connects anterior margin of the lateral meniscus to the medial meniscus
Lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
a strong cord that attaches the lateral epicondyle of the femur to the lateral head of the fibula. Checks extension and prevents medial motion
patellar ligament
a strong flat ligament connecting the lower patella with the tibial tuberosity
lateral collateral ligaments
attaches the fibula to the calcaneus to give the outside of the ankle stability
anterior tibiofibular ligament
connects the tibia to the fibula
deltoid ligaments
located on the inside of the ankle and connects the tibia to the talus and calcaneus. Provide medial stability to the ankle